Experience the holiday cheer in Conway! Our guide has everything you need for a festive season. From those who live and breathe Conway to those just getting a taste, this guide brings holiday magic to life.
One must-attend event is the Christmas Parade, where the streets come alive with floats, music, and festive spirit. Downtown’s twinkling lights and merry tunes truly shine during the Christmas Tree Lighting. And Caroling in the Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its heartwarming melodies filling the air. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Conway
- Christmas Parade
- Caroling in the Park
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Conway Symphony Christmas Concert
- Holiday Craft Fair
- Conway Christmas Market
- Festival of Trees
- Polar Express Movie Night
- Holiday Lights Display
Conway Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Tree decorated with handmade ornaments from local schools
Description:
Conway's Christmas tree lighting ceremony illuminates the heart of the city with a unique community touch. The towering evergreen sparkles with hundreds of handmade ornaments crafted by students from local schools. As the switch is flipped, the collective gasp of awe from the crowd marks the official start of the holiday season. This tradition began in 1985 as a way to unite the community through art and celebration. Visitors can contribute their own ornament to a special community tree nearby, adding their personal touch to the city's holiday display.
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Holiday Lights Display
What to Expect:
Synchronized light show set to local musicians' holiday recordings
Description:
Conway's Holiday Lights Display illuminates the night with a synchronized spectacle set to the music of local artists. Unlike traditional static displays, this show pulses and dances to holiday tunes recorded specifically for the event by Conway musicians. The display, which began in 2010, has grown to include over 100,000 LED lights. Visitors can tune their car radios to a dedicated station to hear the music as they drive through the twinkling wonderland. A special walking night allows you to experience the lights up close and personal, with hot cocoa stations along the path.
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Conway Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Focus on locally-sourced and sustainable crafts
Description:
Conway's Holiday Craft Fair stands out with its emphasis on locally-sourced and sustainable artisanal creations. Artisans from across Arkansas showcase their eco-friendly gifts, from upcycled jewelry to handmade organic soaps. The air is filled with the scent of freshly carved wood as craftsmen demonstrate their skills. This fair, established in 1998, has grown to become a platform for promoting sustainable living in the community. You can participate in hands-on workshops to learn traditional crafting techniques passed down through generations of Arkansas artisans.
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Conway Christmas Market
What to Expect:
German-inspired outdoor market with authentic cuisine
Description:
Conway's Christmas Market brings a taste of European tradition to Arkansas with its German-inspired outdoor bazaar. Wooden stalls line the streets, offering authentic German cuisine, handcrafted ornaments, and unique gifts. The market pays homage to Conway's sister city relationship with Quakenbrück, Germany, established in 1992. Visitors can savor the flavors of Germany by sampling Glühwein, a traditional spiced wine, while browsing the eclectic mix of local and imported goods. Live performances of traditional German Christmas carols add to the international atmosphere of this distinctive holiday gathering.
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Conway Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Trees decorated by local businesses to benefit charities
Description:
Conway's Festival of Trees transforms the city's convention center into a forest of creativity and generosity. Local businesses and organizations showcase their ingenuity by decorating trees with themes ranging from whimsical to elegant, all in support of local charities. This event, initiated in 2005, has raised over $500,000 for community causes. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, with proceeds from each vote going to the charity represented by that tree. The festival culminates in a silent auction where the most popular trees are sold to further benefit the chosen charities.
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Conway Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Caroling in the Park
What to Expect:
Community-led caroling with live accompaniment
Description:
Simon Park comes alive with the harmonious voices of Conway residents during the annual Caroling in the Park event. Unlike typical caroling experiences, this gathering features live musical accompaniment from local musicians. Participants can join in singing both classic and lesser-known carols, creating a rich tapestry of sound that echoes through the crisp winter air. The tradition of community caroling in Conway dates back to the early 1900s. Songbooks are provided, allowing everyone to participate in this joyful expression of holiday spirit.
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Conway Symphony Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
The Conway Symphony Orchestra's Christmas concert elevates the holiday spirit with a unique blend of classical masterpieces and contemporary favorites. Unlike typical holiday concerts, this performance seamlessly weaves together Baroque compositions with modern arrangements, creating a fresh and dynamic musical experience. The orchestra, founded in 1984, has become a cornerstone of Conway's cultural scene. Concert-goers can participate in a pre-show instrument "petting zoo," where they can try their hand at various orchestral instruments under the guidance of musicians.
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Conway Symphony Christmas Concert
Polar Express Movie Night
What to Expect:
Interactive movie experience with train-themed activities
Description:
Conway's Polar Express Movie Night takes viewers on a journey beyond the screen. This interactive experience recreates the magic of the beloved story with train-themed activities before and after the film. Attendees receive their own golden ticket and can board a mini train for a ride around the venue. The event pays tribute to Conway's railroad history, which played a crucial role in the city's development. Children can participate in a pajama contest, embodying the spirit of the film's young protagonists as they settle in for this immersive cinematic adventure.
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Conway Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Floats decorated by local community groups
Description:
Conway's annual Christmas parade transforms Main Street into a dazzling spectacle of lights and music. Local community groups showcase their creativity with elaborately decorated floats, each telling a unique holiday story. Children can wave to Santa as he makes his grand appearance atop the final float. This beloved tradition dates back to 1952, when the parade first began as a small community gathering. Visitors can join the fun by decorating their own mini-float to carry during the procession.